journal article·2025-04-20Open access

Research on the Thermal Conductivity and Microstructure of Calcium Lignosulfonate-Magnesium Oxide Solidified Loess

Yuwen Lu, Wuyu Zhang

Applied Sciences· Volume 15· Issue 8

Abstract

Loess, characterized by high porosity, a loose structure, and weak cementation, is highly prone to deformation and cracking under thermal stress, which significantly affects the bearing capacity of foundations and the stability of underground engineering structures. This study introduces an innovative approach that utilizes the eco-friendly modifier calcium lignosulfonate (CL) in combination with magnesium oxide (MgO) for the carbonation solidification treatment of loess. The research systematically investigated the thermal conductivity and underlying micro-mechanisms of the treated soil. A series of tests, including analyses of basic physical properties, measurements of thermal conductivity, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were conducted to evaluate the effects of CL dosage, freeze–thaw cycles, moisture content, and dry density on the thermal conductivity of carbonation-solidified loess. The results indicate that carbonated solidified loess absorbed approximately 6% of CO2, while effectively reducing its collapsibility grade to a slightly collapsible classification. Additionally, its thermal conductivity decreased by 16.7%, thereby mitigating the influence of various environmental factors. Based on the experimental results, a microscopic mechanism model was developed. This study presents a sustainable and innovative technical solution for stabilizing loess foundations in cold regions.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Geomechanics and Mining Engineering

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

School of Civil Engineering and Water Resources, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China

Key Laboratory of Energy-Saving Building Materials and Engineering Safety, 251 Ningda Road, Xining 810016, China

Funding

Qinghai Provincial Central Guidance Local Science and Technology Development Fund Project · The National Natural Science Foundation of China · The Fund of China Scholarship Council

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